New York City Ballet to Cast Young Dancers for SPAC Show

Auditions for girls ages 9-13 to perform in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" this July

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The New York City Ballet will hold auditions on March 15 for girls ages 9-13 to dance in the July performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" during the company's Saratoga season at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Twenty-four girls will be cast in the full-length production, with understudies also selected.

Why it matters

This is an exciting opportunity for young local dancers to perform alongside the renowned New York City Ballet company. The production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" holds special significance, as it was the very ballet that opened the SPAC stage in 1966.

The details

Girls auditioning must be no taller than 5 feet and have at least 3 years of prior ballet training. The auditions will be held at the SPAC School of the Arts, and registration is required by March 12. The performances will take place July 8-11, with both evening and matinee shows.

  • The auditions will be held on Sunday, March 15 at 10 a.m.
  • The performances of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" will take place July 8-10 at 7:30 p.m. and July 11 at 2 p.m.

The players

Dena Abergel

New York City Ballet Children's Repertory Director, who will oversee the auditions.

Elizabeth Sobol

Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

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What they’re saying

“Presenting four performances of 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' — the very ballet that opened the SPAC stage in July 1966 — is a remarkable moment for our community and our young dancers. Here in Saratoga, these talented children bring the story to life with joy and wonder, creating a magical experience that is uniquely ours.”

— Elizabeth Sobol, Chief Executive Officer of Saratoga Performing Arts Center (news10.com)

What’s next

Registration for the auditions must be completed by Thursday, March 12.

The takeaway

This is an exciting opportunity for young local dancers to gain experience performing with the renowned New York City Ballet company and be part of a historic production at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center.